Arts Fell on Alabama

Zdenko Krtić: The Sketchbook's Eternal Optimism

Visual artist and retired Auburn art professor Zdenko Krtić explains why 45 minutes of daily creativity are an essential part of his morning routine.

Moundville: Making the Past Part of the Future

800 years ago, the Mississippian cultural center now known as the Moundville site was the largest city in America north of Mexico. Discover how art and creativity contribute to our ability to understand the past and imagine the future.

The Alabama Ramblers: A Musical Postcard from the Front Lines

Music soothes the seasick (and homesick) soul, live from Korea circa 1952. Special thanks to Burgin Matthews and the Southern Music Research Center for their collaboration on this episode.

The Airing of the Quilts: Quilts and Community in Gee's Bend

We take a drive down county road 29 to Gees Bend, where handmade quilts on the clothesline flutter in the October breeze.

The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy: Home is Where the Quilts Are

Sheila Smith, treasurer of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy, reflects on a childhood growing up among quilts and quilters in Wilcox County, AL. This episode was first produced by Deb Boykin and intern Ren Carroll in 2023.

Ardith Goodwin: The Land of Ardithian

Mobile-based artist and writer Ardith Goodwin takes on us a fantastical journey to Mardi Bay and the City of Elibom, and explains how her decade-long painting project turned into a middle-grade fantasy series. 

Courtney Bennett: The Pendleton Hydrant Trail

Courtney Bennett, director of Main Street Montevallo, explains how the city uses art--and fire hydrants--to empower citizens to make a mark on their community.

Tyler Jones: Helping a Place Tell Its Story

Tyler Jones, director of the Birmingham-based narrative studio 1504, describes the creative process behind a new, collaborative installation of artist Joe Minter's work in Titusville.

Elvie Schooley: One With the Beat of the DRUM

Elvie Schooley, executive director of DRUM, The Program, shares how she teaches healthy communication and decision-making to kids and adults through West African cultural arts.

Charlotte Pence: Mobile's Inaugural Poet Laureate

Dr. Charlotte Pence, the city of Mobile's inaugural poet laureate, shows us what is possible with a piece of paper, a pencil, and paying attention to what's happening in your own backyard.

Salaam Green: Birmingham's Inaugural Poet Laureate (extended version)

The city of Birmingham's inaugural poet laureate, Salaam Green, recites her mayoral proclamation poem, "What Must We Do 'Birmingham'." 

Salaam Green: Birmingham's Inaugural Poet Laureate

The city of Birmingham's inaugural poet laureate, Salaam Green, reads an excerpt of her mayoral proclamation poem, "What Must We Do 'Birmingham'."